In brief: Southern Cal’s Young will enter NBA draft

Southern California junior Nick Young will pass up his senior season to enter the NBA draft.

Young announced his decision Tuesday at a news conference on campus. He said he will hire an agent, making his decision irrevocable.

“It was a tough decision,” the 21-year-old junior said. “I’m very confident. It’s a dream come true. I’m just trying to make a better life for my family.”

His parents attended the news conference.

Young is the sixth-leading scorer in USC history.

“Pokey Chatman was given two hours to resign or be fired, said her attorney Mary Olive Pierson, arguing the former Louisiana State University women’s coach is entitled to damages and compensation for the final two years of her contract.

Chatman resigned March 7, after assistant coach Carla Berry raised allegations of improper conduct with a former player or players.

“Men’s coach Brad Soderberg was fired after five seasons at Saint Louis despite the school’s first 20-win season since 1998.

“Oral Roberts men’s coach Scott Sutton agreed to a seven-year contract extension, a move that comes less than a week after he withdrew from consideration for the Wichita State job.

“The Air Force Academy promoted assistant Jeff Reynolds to men’s head coach. He replaces good friend Jeff Bzdelik, who left for Colorado in early April.

“Illinois women’s coach Theresa Grentz resigned, less than two months after she sought a contract extension.

Grentz, 10th in career victories among Division I women’s coaches, said during a news conference the decision to step aside was hers.

NFL

Steelers sign Eason

Defensive end Nick Eason, who played for the Cleveland Browns the past two seasons, signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Eason would replace Rodney Bailey, who signed last week with the Arizona Cardinals.

“Safety Abram Elam and defensive tackle Montavious Stanley agreed to one-year contracts with the Dallas Cowboys.

“The Kansas City Chiefs resigned veteran defensive tackle James Reed to a three-year contract.

“The Buffalo Bills have retained restricted free-agent defensive linemen Tim Anderson and Anthony Hargrove. Both players accepted Buffalo’s tender offers for the upcoming season.

Miscellany

Maradona improves

Diego Maradona showed signs of improving health, with doctors in Buenos Aires, Argentina, saying the soccer great could be released from the hospital if his progress continues.

Maradona was treated for nearly two weeks this month at another clinic for hepatitis blamed on alcohol abuse.

“Former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier has sued his daughter Jacquelyn Frazier-Lyde for the return of his contracts, product endorsements and other business papers.

Frazier-Lyde controls the documents because she served as her father’s lawyer and business adviser from 1989-2004, according to the lawsuit.